Water and Wasterwater

A boil water notice is simply a public statement advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it. Notices are issued when an event has occurred allowing the possibility for the water distribution system to become contaminated. (e.g. water main break and repairs, service line break and repairs, repairs to water system equipment or facilities, widespread loss of system pressure, or natural disaster.)

No. A notice does not mean that the water is contaminated, but rather that an event has occurred that could potentially cause contamination if not addressed. State regulations require that when certain events occur, that we issue a boil water notice to the affected area.

A notice will remain in effect until test samples show the water is safe to drink. Testing for bacteria normally requires about 24 hours to complete, depending on the type of test used. As a result, the notice will be in effect until the results are received. Regulations set forth by the State require that testing be done if any of the above events occur. (e.g. after a water main break is repaired, the line is flushed, samples are taken and sent to the lab to make sure no contamination took place during the repair process).